After Dinner SpeakersRt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP is one of the few ministers in modern politics to serve as Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary.
Known for his decisive leadership and international diplomacy expertise, James Cleverly played a key role in shaping the UK’s foreign policy and global partnerships.
First elected as the Member of Parliament for Braintree in 2015, he has held several influential government positions, including Minister for Europe and Chairman of the Conservative Party.
Born in London and commissioned into the Royal Artillery, Cleverly’s military background informs his strong stance on national security and international defence cooperation.
As Home Secretary, James oversaw critical areas of security, policing, and immigration. As Foreign Secretary, he led UK diplomacy through defining moments, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Sudanese civil war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the evolving UK-EU relationship. His ministerial experience spans Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and his tenure as Education Secretary.
He also played a pivotal role in political strategy, co-chairing the 2019 Conservative General Election campaign.
James Cleverly consistently advocates for British sovereignty, global trade, and democratic values on the world stage.
He is known for his straightforward communication style, commitment to public service, and efforts to strengthen ties with key global allies across Europe, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.
As a mixed-race politician with roots in Sierra Leone, he is a visible figure in promoting diversity and inclusion within UK politics.
Sir James Cleverly – Guest Speaker
As a popular political after-dinner and keynote speaker, James Cleverly speaks on various subjects, from political risk and global affairs to leadership under pressure.
Combining military, business, and government expertise, he delivers engaging insights on resilience, decision-making, and navigating uncertainty in a fast-changing world.
Speaking topics include:
- Leadership Under Pressure.
- Domestic and International Political Landscape.
- Assessing Risk and Making Decisions.
- Resilience.
- Working with a team to make decisions and get results.
- The Changing Face of Politics.
